MySweetBites

For Christmas, these Christmas Sugar Cookies are a classic treat: crisp on the outside, soft inside, with royal icing perfect for festive decorations. This recipe is simple, egg-free (if you prefer), and makes about 30-40 cookies.

Ready in 1 hour + resting time.

Ingredients for the cookies:

300 g all-purpose flour

150 g cold butter, cut into pieces

150 g granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

A pinch of salt

Zest of 1 orange or lemon (for a holiday twist)

Ingredients for the royal icing:

200 g powdered sugar

2 egg whites (or 60 ml water if egg-free)

1 teaspoon lemon juiceRed and green food coloring (optional)

Decorations:

Colored sprinkles, stars, pearls

Instructions:

Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (use a mixer or cold hands).

Add the vanilla and zest. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, kneading until a smooth ball forms.

Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll and cut: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 5 mm thick.

Cut out festive shapes (stars, trees, gingerbread men) using cookie cutters.

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 3 cm apart.

Bake:

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden on the edges (don’t let them brown too much to keep them soft).

Cool on a wire rack.Prepare the icing: Whip the egg whites (or mix with water and lemon juice) with the powdered sugar until thick and glossy (like soft meringue).

Divide into bowls and color as desired. Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies and add decorations. Let dry for 1-2 hours.

These cookies keep in an airtight container for a week and are great for gifting in holiday bags!

For extra flair, add cinnamon to the dough.If you try them, let me know how they turn out! 🎄🍪